(Ridge Heights mayor and plumbing contractor) Billy Samson on business: I think the first things you should know when you open a business is that you immediately have two partners: the government and an insurance company. They stand ready to take a portion of your business regardless of how much business you have. I never heard them ask if I can pay my bills, my employees, or feed my family. They want your money when they want it or you're going to pay more. You'll have to pay fees, file paperwork, and keep track of nearly everything about your business in case they want to know if you're paying them enough. The other thing to know is that some people will call you for work, but they will be looking for a lower price than everyone else, or they'll want more than what they paid for. After all, they are helping you. I always said that if you really wanted to help me you would pay me more for doing less, but that doesn't go very well with any of them. In my business, I have to travel to the customer and to their territory, which puts me at a disadvantage. For my protection against ludicrous claims, I restrict my movements to the work area, and I keep my attention to the job. But, sometimes that's not going to happen. I have to meet the neighbor or friend who will tell me how they would do my job. I get rid of them by asking, "Why didn't they just call you?" I have to meet the kids and the pets so they get used to me although I'm trying my best to get out of there so they don't get used to me. To prove how bad I wanted to get out of there, I spent my savings and ran for mayor. Another piece of advice is to think twice before taking food from a customer. I was forced to eat a one slice bologna and lettuce sandwich that was used for the price of two valves replaced. When it came time to pay she said, "What about the lunch?"
